ABHIMANYUโS POV
It was the day of Dussehra when we arrived in Rajasthan - this time for an entire month. All the upcoming festivals were to be celebrated here, in the heart of the Rathore Empire, and this visit carried even more significance - to officially introduce Shivnya as my wife.
But there was a small issue. Little Anirudh. It's not that I dislike him - in fact, I care for him deeply - but Shivnya is far too close to him. And not just him... even to Avya. For reasons I can't explain, I didn't want her to grow too attached to either of them. Still, reluctantly, I accepted it, and we reached Rajasthan.
It was already evening when we arrived. As soon as we stepped in, Shivnya was whisked away by the ladies of the house to get ready - after all, she was now the new queen of this empire, and this was our first public appearance as a married couple in Rajasthan.
Three hours later, the women finally returned with her. I was already dressed in my regal sherwani, except for the jewellery and turban, which I had decided to let my dearly beloved wife adorn me with.
And then... she stepped out. Dressed in a deep pink poshak, adorned with heavy jewellery - the delicate nose ring, the shimmering toe ring, layers of ornate neckpieces, grand earrings that swayed with each step, and the gleaming maang tikka and borla gracing her forehead and hairline. She looked every bit the queen she was meant to be.
AUTHOR'S POV
Abhimanyu was in complete awe as soon as his eyes fell on her. Slowly walking closer, he murmured, his voice almost reverent,
"You... You look like a fairy. No-more like death itself... so beautiful that I could surrender to it without a second thought."
Shivnya's cheeks flushed a deep pink, her gaze briefly lowering, while the women around them exchanged knowing smirks before heading toward the main ground where the Dussehra celebrations were about to begin.
Just then, Dadi came over with a teasing smile.
"Shivuu, make this idiot husband of yours wear his jewellery and turban quickly... or else he'll keep standing here, gawking at you like a lovesick fool."
Shivnya bit back a laugh and nodded. As everyone left, she turned to her husband and asked,
"Now... will you stop ogling me?"
Abhimanyu shook his head like a stubborn little boy. That earned a soft laugh from her. Making him sit on the chair, she teased,
"Sometimes you really act like a baby in front of me. The way you were staring... everyone was smirking at me because of you."
But her words barely reached him - for Abhimanyu, all he could see right now was the divine goddess standing before him. Shivnya began adorning him with the heavy jewellery, standing between his legs as she tried to keep his head still to fix the turban. But her husband had other ideas. Like a mischievous child, he nuzzled into her odhni, refusing to sit still.
When she pulled the odhni back, he looked up at her with that boyish smirk... and then, bold as ever, his hand went to adjust the upper part of her poshak.
"Abhimanyu, calm yourself! We're going for the pooja," she scolded softly. "Stop touching me like this and let me fix your turban. Or what will people think? That their king is late because he was busy misbehaving with his queen?"
Abhimanyu only gave her the most innocent puppy-eyed look, making her glare at him in mock annoyance. Somehow, with much effort and a lot of self-control on his part, Shivnya finally managed to tie the turban perfectly.
Hand in hand, they stepped out, sliding into the royal vintage black Rolls-Royce - the very image of Rajasthan's new King and Queen, ready for their first grand appearance together.
Within minutes, Abhimanyu and Shivnya arrived at the grand open ground where the Dussehra celebrations were in full swing. The grounds were overflowing with people - citizens of the kingdom, dignitaries, and even the Chief Minister of the state - all gathered to witness the royal couple's first public appearance together.
As they stepped out, Abhimanyu reached for Shivnya's hand, intertwining his fingers with hers, and together they began walking down the central aisle. Every head turned, and as soon as the crowd caught sight of them, they bowed in unison - a gesture of deep respect, not mere formality. Royal guards surrounded them, ensuring their path remained clear, escorting them straight to the grand stage.
When they ascended the platform, all eyes remained fixed on them - but not with the forced obedience of subjects before a ruler. No, the people had gathered here out of genuine affection and pride. They revered their king for his fair heart and just rule, and today they had come for another reason - to catch their first glimpse of the woman who now stood as their Queen.
And when they saw her... they were spellbound. Shivnya, in her regal attire, radiated grace and dignity that left the crowd awestruck. The royal family and esteemed guests sat comfortably on plush couches, while the townspeople filled the rows of chairs spread across the ground.
The Dewan - the king's trusted aide and caretaker of royal affairs - stepped forward. Bowing deeply, he spoke in a voice that carried across the field,
"Khamma ghani, Ranasa... Ranisa."
The crowd echoed his greeting in one harmonious voice, their reverence filling the air. Abhimanyu and Shivnya, smiling warmly, joined their hands in return and bowed in respect.
The Dewan continued, his tone full of pride,
"Today, we welcome the Queen of our kingdom. This is an overwhelming moment for us all - to have her here among us, celebrating Dussehra alongside our beloved King."
Then he stepped aside and gestured to Abhimanyu. "Now, our King will address his people."
Taking the microphone, Abhimanyu began,
"Khamma ghani to everyone, and a very happy Dussehra. I must apologise - you were not able to witness our marriage, nor have I had the chance to properly introduce my Queen to you. Our wedding took place on very short notice, at a time when many matters demanded my attention. But as your King, I feel it is my duty to share this moment with you."
He turned to Shivnya, his gaze softening. With a gentle gesture, he beckoned her closer. She hesitated for a heartbeat, then stepped forward. Abhimanyu took her hand and held it firmly, his voice deep with pride as he declared,
"She... she is my wife. My Queen."
Shivnya lowered her gaze modestly, joining her hands together in a respectful bow to the people. In that moment, the air was filled with applause, joy, and blessings - the kingdom had embraced its new Queen.
As Shivnya finished her graceful bow, Abhimanyu handed her the microphone. She hesitated for a moment, her fingers tightening around the metal, before speaking in the softest tone, her nervousness barely hidden,
"Khamma ghani to everyone."
The simple greeting, spoken in her delicate voice, sent a wave of warmth through the crowd. They greeted her back with equal affection, their smiles genuine. Encouraged, she continued,
"We are sorry for our earlier absence. But now, as the Queen of this kingdom, I will try my best to be the finest Queen I can for all of you. Until now, you had your King to solve your problems... but from today, you also have your Queen - to keep you safe, to stand beside you, and to help in every way I can."
Her words struck a chord with everyone present. Abhimanyu and the entire family swelled with pride. Only hours ago, she had refused to give a speech, claiming she would be too nervous... and now here she was, speaking with the poise and confidence of a true Queen.
As she handed the microphone back, Abhimanyu took it and said,
"Now, as this auspicious moment arrives, let us begin a new chapter with our Queen, and together, burn away all the negativity and evil within us."
The crowd erupted in cheers. The guards guided everyone toward the towering effigy of Ravan, its figure outlined in bright firecrackers. Abhimanyu called Shivnya to stand before him. Wrapping his arms protectively around her, he guided her hands to hold the bow. Together, they lit the arrow's tip with a blazing flame.
Adjusting the arrow, Abhimanyu raised his voice and called out, "Jai Shree Ram!"
The crowd thundered back in unison, "Jai Shree Ram!"
With one swift motion, they released the arrow. It struck the effigy of Ravan right at the heart, and within seconds, fire burst across the structure, the crackling of fireworks filling the air. Cheers and laughter echoed as the people watched the magnificent blaze.
Abhimanyu gently pulled Shivnya aside, away from the throng, so everyone could enjoy the view without disturbance. Wrapping his arms around her from behind, he whispered in her ear,
"Happy Dussehra to my Rani-sa."
She smiled softly, leaning into his embrace. "Happy Dussehra to my Rana-sa."
While the crowd was mesmerised by the spectacle, Abhimanyu's gaze remained fixed only on her. She was radiant under the glow of the flames - as if she had been born to stand by his side. She was his, and he was hers.
When the show ended, the couple returned to the stage. The Dewan stepped forward once again and announced,
"On this eve of Dussehra, and on the joyous occasion of our King and Queen's marriage, we have arranged sweets for everyone. Please collect them from the counters."
At his words, the people cheerfully began forming lines at the sweet stalls. The royal family exchanged parting greetings with the Chief Minister before beginning to leave, the night carrying with it the warmth of celebration and new beginnings.
As they returned to their haveli, everyone retired to their rooms to rest after the day's festivities. Abhimanyu and Shivnya, both exhausted from the events, went straight to their chambers. With mutual understanding, they helped each other out of their ceremonial attire and quickly changed into comfortable clothes before collapsing into bed, finally allowing themselves to drift into a peaceful slumber in each other's arms snuggling close to each other .
---
THE NEXT DAY - AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE
The sun had risen, and the breakfast table was filled with chatter.Slowly everyone joined at the table and all enjoyed the meal, and the conversation was light and easy.
Ranveer, as always, thoughtful and protective toward his daughter-in- law spoke up,
"Shivuu , how far is your office from Abhimanyu's?"
Shivnya smiled, knowing full well what her baba was getting at. She had a hotel launch happening in the city, which meant a lot of work for her. Her assistants were already staying at the hotel, making it easier for her to manage everything.
"It's not too far, Baba. Just about half an hour, maybe 45 minutes," she replied.
Ranveer nodded, his face serious as he said,
"I don't think people will cause you any problems. But if you face anything, tell Abhimanyu. And try to leave with him, if you can. You're the Queen now, Shivnya, and in everyone's eyes, you're royalty. They'll be joyous and respectful towards you, but we also have a bodyguard team ready for you. They'll step in only if needed, though. People here are kind-hearted."
Shivnya nodded thoughtfully, knowing his concern. She then excused herself and got ready to leave for her office. It was her first day in the new city, and Abhimanyu had insisted on dropping her off.
As they arrived, Abhimanyu stopped the car and looked at her with a teasing glint in his eyes,
"Give me a goodbye kiss."
Shivnya chuckled and raised an eyebrow,
"Have some shame, Mr. Rathore! I'm THE QUEEN now."
Abhimanyu laughed softly,
"I don't mind. Come on, give me my kiss quickly."
Shivnya smiled mischievously,
"Close your eyes and keep your hands to yourself ."
Abhimanyu, eager, closed his eyes, keeping his hands to himself without a second thought. A moment later, Shivnya pecked his cheek, quick and sweet, and pulled away.
He opened his eyes just as he saw her walking away, disappearing into the distance.
"This is unfair, Mrs. Rathore!" he shouted playfully.
Without looking back, Shivnya called out,
"Everything is fair in love, Mr. Rathore!"
Abhimanyu couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head as he watched her vanish from sight. With a contented sigh, he turned to leave for his office, his heart lighter than ever.
Abhimanyu drove to his office, slipping instantly into work mode. The hours blurred together in a haze of meetings, files, and phone calls. His business empire had offices in every state of India, with Mumbai and Rajasthan as its main hubs. This particular office was just as lavish - a perfect blend of luxury and efficiency.
His P.A., who had arrived days earlier to manage preparations, was already there, handling the flow of work. But then, without warning, his other P.A. - and right-hand man - Vivek strode into the cabin with a laptop in hand. Vivek had once managed Abhimanyu's mafia operations, but now worked solely in his legitimate business.
"Boss, you need to see this," he said, placing the laptop before him.
Abhimanyu's eyes narrowed as the screen lit up. The site that loaded was not ordinary - it was a private, untraceable network meant exclusively for members of The Clan, operating like a secure email system. After Abhimanyu had left the underworld, messages had poured in urging him to return, but eventually, they stopped - a silent acknowledgement of his wish to step away.
Until now.
A new, anonymous message blinked on the screen:
"You snatched my love from me. Now I will take yours. I AM BACK. I will not leave you, Rathore. I will take the most precious thing from your life - YOUR WIFE."
Abhimanyu's jaw tightened, rage flashing in his eyes. He knew exactly who had sent this.
"Track this bastard," he ordered immediately.
He dialed Shivnya's number. No answer. He tried again - still nothing. He called her P.A., but got no response. His anger spiked, threatening to boil over, until he forced himself to act rationally. Pulling up the hidden GPS, camera, and tracker embedded in Shivnya's mangalsutra and ring, he located her. She was in a meeting - safe.
A wave of relief washed over him. He typed a quick message:
"Shivuu, go back home as early as possible. I'll be late tonight."
Then, he and Vivek got to work, trying to crack the sender's location. The server was a fortress - unbreakable by anyone but him. He had designed it that way, believing The Clan would always remain loyal.
Hours passed. By 10 p.m., his phone was flooded with unread messages from Shivnya - one every hour - asking when he'd be home. Finally, she called.
"Where the hell are you? You're not even replying to my messages!" she burst out the moment he answered.
Abhimanyu's voice softened. "Sorry, baby. Urgent work. I'll be late. Please don't wait for me - have dinner and sleep. I love you, just... adjust tonight."
Her irritation melted into guilt. "How much longer will you be?"
"It'll take time. You sleep," he said, ending the call with mutual goodnights - both of them feeling the weight of unspoken guilt.
By 1 a.m., the codes were in place. It would take eight hours to activate globally and pinpoint the sender's location. Vivek urged him to head home. "I'll stay here, sir. The processor is running. We'll have the result in the morning."
Abhimanyu agreed. Rolling up his shirt sleeves, coat in one hand, the first button of his shirt undone, he looked every bit the tired but dangerous man he was.
At the haveli, the main hall was silent. He made his way to their chambers - empty. Panic set in. He checked the bathroom - nothing. The closet - empty. Heart pounding, he slipped into the secret tunnel, emerging near the staircase.
Halfway up, a soft, sleepy voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Why are you jumping like a monkey in the middle of the night?"
He spun around. There she was - his Shivnya - casually making a plate for him. Relief hit him so hard he didn't think; he strode forward and pulled her into a fierce hug.
"You almost scared me. What are you doing awake? I told you to sleep!" he said, his voice betraying the panic he'd just felt.
She pulled back, surprised. "What happened, baby?"
He forced a smile. "Nothing."
She knew he was hiding something, but didn't press. If he wanted to tell her, he would.
"Okay... now sit. Eat. I know you haven't had food since morning," she said firmly, pulling him toward the dining table.
"Baby, I'm not hungry. I'll eat in the morning," he tried to protest.
Her glare shut him up. "Sit. I'll feed you."
She began making morsels, feeding him slowly. At one point, he tugged her into his lap, refusing to let her go as she continued feeding him.
"Did you eat?" he asked.
"Yeah... I had some snacks in the evening," she admitted.
His eyes narrowed. Without a word, he made a morsel for her and fed her in return. They continued like that - feeding each other quietly, sharing unspoken comfort.
When they finally retired to their room, Abhimanyu pulled her close, burying his face in the curve of her neck.
This... this was his peace.
Shivnya's fingers threaded gently through his hair, lulling him into a deep, much-needed sleep.
---
The next morning, Shivnya woke up before him. He was still in a heavy sleep, his breathing deep and unhurried. She didn't have the heart to wake him. But when she tried to slip out of bed, even in his half-sleep, his arm tightened around her waist.
"Shivuu... stay," he murmured.
So she stayed, watching him for a moment, knowing exactly how much stress he had been carrying because of work. Somewhere between the warmth of his hold and the quiet of the morning, she too drifted back to sleep.
---
Two hours later, a knock broke their peace.
"Rana-sa, it's breakfast time. Maharaj is calling you both," came the voice from outside.
They both stirred, exchanged a quick glance, and then scrambled to get ready. Shivnya moved quickly to help him-fixing his coat , adjusting his collar-because she knew his father would scold him for being late, and his bua would use the same moment to taunt her.
She didn't care about herself right now. He mattered more.
When she was fastening his shirt buttons, Abhimanyu caught her wrists.
"Shivuu, I'll do this. You go get ready."
She shook her head. "No, first you. You know Baba will scold you. And listen-if he asks why we're late, you'll tell him I ate some fast food outside last night, and I wasn't feeling well. That's why you were taking care of me, okay?"
He gave her a look. "Really? I have to say that?"
She just nodded, pushing him toward the gate before running to freshen up herself.
Abhimanyu reached the breakfast table before her. No one said a word to him, and he simply announced, "I have a meeting in half an hour, so I'm leaving." Without waiting for a reply, he walked out.
His parents didn't stop him-because they'd seen the two of them last night , when they were coming down from the terrace to go to their room , feeding each other, talking quietly. They knew more than they said.
Shivnya arrived moments later, beginning her prepared excuse: "Sorry, my health wasn't good last night because of the fast food I ate outside, so Abhim-"
Before she could finish, Ranveer cut in gently. "It's okay. Now eat your breakfast."
She nodded, sat, and asked, "Baba, where's Abhimanyu?"
He only looked at her, poker-faced, testing her. He wanted to see how far she would go to protect him. Without answering, he focused on his plate.
Confused, she continued eating-texting Abhimanyu under the table.
Where are you?
He'd already messaged earlier: Urgent meeting. I left. Eat properly and then only leave for work and go home early today.
She was confused that till now his bua didn't say any taunt to her but , What she didn't know was that Ranveer had already warned his sister not to say a single word against Shivnya again.
After breakfast, she went to the study.
"Baba, did you scold Abhimanyu?" she asked.
Ranveer nodded once.
"But... actually, I made him late. Please scold me instead."
"He's a king," Ranveer said sternly. "He should know what he's doing."
She straightened. "And I'm a queen. I shoul-"
Before she could finish, he chuckled. "I was testing you-to see how much you'd lie for him. I saw him come home late last night."
She frowned. "Then why act like this?"
Ranveer motioned for her to sit beside him. Taking her hand, he said, "Because I wanted to be sure there's someone who loves him enough to take his side no matter what. You know, he's never had a good bond with me. With his mother, it was just... okay. He treats us like responsibilities, but never lets anyone take responsibility for him. I knew you were there for him, but today I'm certain-if one day we aren't here, you'll keep him happy."
Shivnya's eyes glistened. "Why would you even say that? You will be here. After twenty-seven years, I've finally got my Baba and Maa. I'm not letting you go anywhere." She hugged him tightly.
He smiled faintly, stroking her head. "Okay, okay. No tension."
"Why didn't you both have a good bond?" she asked softly.
Ranveer sighed. "For the first ten years, we did. Then he left for boarding school. There, he learned about our family's mafia past. At that time, he wanted to join, but your mom and I refused. We'd suffered enough because of it, and didn't want him in that life. He got angry and distanced himself. From that day, he believed I never understood him."
Shivnya listened carefully. "Don't worry, Dad. I'll help make your bond stronger."
He smirked. "Don't you have to leave for work?"
She laughed. "Yes, yes... but I meant what I said."
The whole day, Abhimanyu was tracking him-a loser in his world-whose location kept bouncing. Finally, he got a hit, only to find the signal traced to Iceland, routed through a server given to someone else.
The next day, he caught a real lead-a phone number. He called immediately.
The moment the line connected, the voice on the other end said, almost lazily, "You know what I hate about you? You don't play with patience."
Abhimanyu's jaw clenched. "You motherfucker, I'll kill you in front of the whole world if you even think about touching my wife-"
The voice laughed, sharp. "And how dare you keep my love?"
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